Under the Affordable Care Act, exchanges need to be set up by October 1 to begin to enroll uninsured residents. But, in a recent poll, 42% said that they don’t even know that the health law is in effect. And, they don’t understand how it will impact them.

So, there’s a big challenge ahead in educating people about the law. But, the first goal? Raise awareness.

Nationwide, states will spend $700 million on ads to do just that.

Some states, like Oregon, have already begun airing clever campaigns that introduce people to the marketplaces. Oregon's $3.2 million campaign features local musicians and is aimed tat getting young people to sign up for the new health insurance exchange.

Take a look:

And, Connecticut is raising awareness by handing out sunscreens on the beach that say “Get Covered.” Take a look at some more examples here.

The federal government will step in to set up and run 33 states’ exchanges, so people in those states will start seeing more outreach involving door-to-door campaigns, billboards, and kiosks at fairs as the October 1st deadline draws closer.

HHS Secretary Sebelius has even tried talking to the NFL to see if they would partner to help raise awareness among young men. But, as this is still a divisive issue, the NFL doesn’t want to get involved.

President Obama is also reaching out to Hollywood stars for cooperation in creating PSA’s about the law.

Many of the campaigns are targeting women, who make family healthcare decisions.

Many of the campaigns are targeting women, who make family healthcare decisions. And, may ads are focusing the message on telling people that they may be eligible for subsidies.

Starting in January, no longer can insurance companies deny people from getting coverage due to preexisting conditions. So, the goals is to attract those people to sign up.

But, it is worrisome if they don’t get younger, healthier people to enroll as well. Experts say that it will take a large number of uninsured and healthy young adults to make this a success, so it is crucial to help people understand the changes and how to sign up.

It’s not just states and the federal government that are raising awareness, but insurers will promote it too. For example, Capital BlueCross will partner with Walgreens to reach out to consumers about the changes.

People can sign up for coverage beginning Oct. 1st until the end of March. And, they will have to renew their plans at the end of 2014.